Thursday 2 July 2015 10:49, UK
Nasser Hussain is positive England have picked the right man in Trevor Bayliss, after the new England head coach met the media for the first time to announce his Investec Ashes squad.
“He’s old school, pretty relaxed,” said Hussain. “Michael Atherton was at his press conference and said he strolled up in a pair of jeans, he’s not too worried about his PR. He’s just there to do his job behind the scenes and leave it to the players.
“The last week, with that gathering in Spain, will have been about communicating with the players, them working out what he’s like, because a lot of them wouldn’t have met him before.
“He’ll obviously know Australia and the Australian cricketers very well and a few of them have come out and said he’s an excellent coach.
“England have a good man, but it’s players that win you matches.”
The players picked in England’s Ashes squad were the same 11 that played in the second Test against New Zealand, plus call-ups for Adil Rashid and Steven Finn.
Hussain is pleased to see both included and thinks Finn could have a part to play in the series, but struggles to see where Rashid might slot in.
“Anyone with the express pace and height Finn has got, will always have a role to play,” said Hussain. “In the one-day series against New Zealand, although his figures weren’t fantastic, with everyone going round the park, in comparison they were very good.
“He bowled well, a little bit quicker, but I still think there is more in the tank for Finn. He’s not back to the dizzy heights of 90+ miles per hour, but he is getting back to his best.
“The Rashid selection is one that had to happen. Rashid was there for the whole of the recent Caribbean tour, and it was a real surprise that he didn’t play. But how do you get Rashid into the side?
“Bayliss has said today the No 1 spinner is Moeen Ali, and only if they play two spinners will Rashid play.”
